Obituary of Donald Simmons

Donald “Don” Simmons passed away in his home on January 10, 2023, on Hilton Head Island, SC. He was 79.

Don was born on October 25, 1943, in Washington, DC to his parents Richard and June Simmons. He graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School class of 1962. He married Carolyn Kunkel in 1965. Before moving from Maryland Don was a Life Member of Glen Echo Fire Department, Retired Technician – Bethesda Fire Department, Past Member of Local IAFF 1664, Building Engineer - Columbia Country Club, Chevy Chase, MD. Don & Carolyn moved to Hilton Head Island in 1990 where he was Maintenance Engineer at Island Club of Hilton Head and Owner & President of D&D Maintenance. He was a member of Coast Guard Auxiliary – Hilton Head Island and Low Country Grady White Club. He enjoyed fishing & boating and attending the International Rescue Symposium.

Don is survived by his wife; Carolyn Simmons, son and daughter-in-law; Donnie and Jennifer Simmons of Myrtle Beach, SC; their daughter and fiancé Erika Nearhoof and Jordan Hutchins of Myrtle Beach, SC, son and fiancé; Joey Nearhoof and Lyndsey Gardner of Jupiter, FL; great-grand-daughters Sunday and Saylor Nearhoof; daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Steve Compton of Frederick, MD; their son John Hanna and Persephone King of Frederick, MD, daughter Payton Hanna and Justin Gosnell of Frederick, MD. Brothers; Michael Simmons of Grantsville, MD, Gary Simmons & Mary Engstrom of Ocala, FL and Larry & Sue Simmons of Myrtle Beach, SC and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father; Richard Simmons, mother; June Wenrich Simmons and brother; Bobby Simmons.

Don will be buried in a private ceremony and a celebration of life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Montgomery County Career Fire Fighter Charitable Foundation (MCCFFCF), 932 Hungerford Drive, Suite 33a, Rockville, Maryland 20850 www.mccfiredonation.org or Hope With Heart, https://hopewithheart.org https://secure.etransfer.com/eft/flexblockcode/donation1.cfm?d2org=HopewithHeart&d2tool=donate.